By losing the Europa League final to Spurs, Manchester United’s summer rebuild just got a whole lot more complicated.
The players were visibly distraught after the loss which was a 20th in all competitions this season, and it will no doubt be the toughest for the group to recover from.
Manchester United were the better team against Tottenham, with more possession, more chances and more shots, yet it was a Luke Shaw own goal which proved too much for Ruben Amorim’s side to overturn.
United lost the Europa League final 1-0 to Spurs and this brought the campaign to an end, even before the official finale against Aston Villa on Sunday.
While Amorim will know he was unfortunate not to win the game, he will also be aware that he must take most of the blame. Amorim made several errors in the game which cost United dearly, with one including a player who should have started.
Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Alejandro Garnacho heading toward the exit doors at Manchester United
Alejandro Garnacho was frustrated on Wednesday night as he found himself on the bench for the final. Mason Mount started instead, and after the game, Garnacho expressed his frustrations over the decision, in an interview in which he suggested his future is up in the air.
Now, United in Focus have spoken with transfer expert Graeme Bailey to learn the latest around Garnacho’s future at United.
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“It’s not just a possibility,” he admitted regarding whether Garnacho will leave this summer.
“He has got one foot out the door and I would be staggered if he is still with United in August. The interest is there, he wants to go and there has been an understanding since January that he doesn’t really fit into Amorim’s system.
“Napoli like him, Atletico still like him a lot and were there watching him in the final last night along with Cristian Romero, and don’t rule Chelsea out of the equation. But yeah, he is going to go.”
It certainly sounds as though this summer will see the academy graduate, while United are expected to accept offers around £50m this summer, which could see Ineos rue their decision.
Manchester United must be prepared for Alejandro Garnacho to shine elsewhere
After not qualifying for the Champions League and the cash boost it brings, selling big players was always on the cards for United.
Garnacho may have wanted to leave anyway, but now Ineos need to sell, with this likely plan B in relation to having the funds to strengthen the squad within Amorim’s image.
However, if sold, United must be prepared for Garnacho to go elsewhere, perhaps La Liga or Serie A, and shine, becoming the player the club dreamt he would here.
United will have to accept this, assuming no buy-back or sell on clause is agreed in the deal. It will be frustrating, but if it opens the door for the Red Devils to significantly strengthen then it will be worth it.
Garnacho has so much talent, but it now seems all but certain this will be realised elsewhere.